Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Residency Program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. The Program matches two residents each year at the PGY-1 level via the National Resident Matching Progam. Application to the Program is via the Electronic Resident Application Service (ERAS). The program is five years in length for a total of ten residents current residents. Otolaryngology-head and neck surgery training takes place at LSUHSC-Shreveport as well as at the Overton-Brooks VA Medical Center. There are two otolaryngology teams at LSUHSC-Shreveport and one otolaryngology service at Overton-Brooks VAMC which provide rotations for residents. The Residency Program’s goals and objectives are achieved through a variety of mechanisms offered by the Department including conferences, Grand Rounds, Departmental courses, clinic experiences, operative experiences, research experiences, as well directed independent study.

The Faculty consists of 7 full-time and 3 part-time Faculty members who represent all of the major subspecialty areas of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery to include facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, head and neck surgical oncology, laryngology, pediatric otolaryngology, otology/neurotology in addition to general otolaryngology.

LSUHSC-Shreveport Overton-Brooks VAMC

Application to the Residency Program Link

PGY-1

The PGY I resident is assigned to rotations in the following areas to include anesthesia, emergency medicine, neurosurgery, intensive care, general surgery (at least 3 of the following: plastic surgery, surgical oncology, vascular surgery, thoracic surgery, general surgery/trauma). The PG-1 resident will also spend three months on the Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Service. During the three months of Otolaryngology, the resident will be taught to perform head and neck examinations, myringotomies, insertion of ventilation tubes, repair head and neck lacerations, tonsillectomies, adenoidectomies, and other minor Otolaryngology procedures. The goal of this year of study is to solidify a firm foundation for further medical training this is to include adequately performing data gathering including histories and physical examinations, becoming familiar with the care of surgical patients including order development and writing, adequately developing basic surgical technique (e.g. tying suture/assisting in surgery), being able to perform endotracheal intubations adequately. Satisfactory completion of this year of training including the Otolaryngology rotations is required for advancement/continuation..

PGY-2

The OTO-1 resident is assigned to one of two Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Teams at LSUHSC-S for a period of 11 months. One month during this year is spent at the Overton-Brooks VAMC. The goals and objectives for the OTO-1 resident are the same at both institutions. The additional basic principles of the head and neck examination with refinement of the technique to include endoscopic evaluations and technique using the operating microscope are taught. Residents evaluate patients under the supervision of staff while acquiring competency to evaluate patients independently. The indications for medical and surgical treatment are taught through structured conferences, informal consultations, daily rounds, in the clinic, and in the operating room. All surgical procedures and clinical examinations are performed under the direction of a staff physician.

The PGY-2 residents further develop skill of performing a myringotomy, insertion of a ventilation tube, and performing a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. Nasal septum surgery, resection of skin lesions, the use of skin flaps and some facial fracture reductions will be added.

The PGY-2 assists in major operations performed by more senior residents and the Faculty. As the resident acquires experience, more surgical responsibility is delegated.

The PGY-2 residents share first call (home call) with the PGY-3 residents. Call is one in every four nights with at least one 24 hour period free of any clinical duties. The PGY-2 resident is under the supervision of upper level residents as well as the Faculty at all times. Satisfactory completion of this year of training is required for advancement/continuation.

PGY-3

The PGY-3 resident is assigned to one of the LSUHSC-S Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Teams for a total of six months. The PGY-3 resident is assigned to the VAMC Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Service for 6 months. During the PGY-3 year of training, the resident performs more sophisticated surgery (e.g. surgery of the paranasal sinuses, complicated septal surgery, maxillofacial fractures, facial plastic procedures, Type I tympanoplasties) and acquires competence in endoscopy. The endoscopic surgery will include microlaryngoscopy and bronchoscopy. The third year resident will assist and perform in part, major cancer operations including neck dissections, further refine the skill of caring for surgical wounds, and develop expertise in the use of flaps and grafts. The procedures will be under the supervision of a Faculty member. The clinic experiences continue as well, under the supervision of upper level residents as well as the Faculty at all times.

The PGY-3 residents share first call (home call) with the PGY-2 residents. Call is one in every four nights with at least one 24 four period free of any clinical duties. The PGY-3 resident is under the supervision of upper level residents as well as the Faculty at all times. Satisfactory completion of this year of training is required for advancement/continuation.

PGY-4

The PGY-4 resident is assigned to one of the two Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery teams at LSUHSC-S. Two months of this year are spent on research blocks where the resident is free of daily clinical responsibilities. The research will be performed under the mentorship of a Faculty member. The PGY-4 resident spends six months as the chief resident of the Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Service at the VAMC. The six months are divided into two blocks of three months each. The PGY-4 resident will continue to acquire expertise in otology, maxillofacial, facial procedures, and cancer surgery. S/he will supervise junior residents as well as medical students. During this year the residents take a more active part in the teaching procedures and managing the more complex cases under the direction and supervision of upper level residents and the Faculty.

The PGY-4 resident will take back-up home call divided with the PGY-5 resident such that back-up home call is on average every fourth night under the supervision of the Faculty. The PGY-4 resident has at least one 24 hour period per week free of clinical responsibilities. Satisfactory completion of this year of training is required for advancement/continuation.

PGY-5

The PGY-5 resident is assigned to one of the two Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Teams for a period of 12 months. The PGY-5 functions as the chief resident of the assigned team. The chief resident is expected to develop competence in the advanced surgical procedures of the specialty. S/he performs major otology, cancer and facial plastic and reconstruction surgery, which include the management and surgical correction of cleft lip and palate problems. The chief resident will develop the judgment and technical skills to function independently. S/he is expected to be the leader and teacher for the more junior residents and medical students under the supervision of the Faculty.

The PGY-5 resident will take back-up home call divided with the PGY-4 resident such that back-up home call is on average every fourth night under the supervision of the Faculty. The PGY-5 resident has a least one 24 hour period per week free of clinical responsibilities. Satisfactory completion of this year of training is required for successful completion of the residency program.

RESEARCH

Research is an important aspect of the residency training program. Residents are required to participate in research throughout their tenure as residents. Near the end of each academic year, a research forum is held where each resident presents their research. Residents are also strongly encouraged to present their work at regional and national meetings as well as to submit their findings in peer reviewed journals. Numerous clinical and basic science research opportunities exist within the Department.

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